My Enemy

I've always had enemies. Since third grade, I battled with Evan and the Gang. The fights raged on until my parents couldn't take it anymore, and then we moved to the quiet countryside. But I still had enemies.

Nancy and Kelly hunted me down one day by the lockers. It was at the end of the day. Nancy was thirsty for blood, my blood, and Kelly would be her cheerleader as well as backup to keep me down. But I slammed my locker door so hard that they both jumped back, unsure of what to do next. Maybe I wasn't so little of prey for them to attack, and they left me alone after that. But neither girl still liked me, hating my guts.

The bus ride to school and back was pure hell. Name calling tried to break my bones, but twisting my arm behind my back hurt more. Hair pulling was nuisance, and elbows in my side only made me angry. But my enemies were relentless and unforgiving, despising the fact that they had to share the same space, the same air with me. What did I ever do to them?

High school came and went. I survived, making mistakes that I wished I could take back. I made plenty more after graduation, but shoulda, coulda, woulda. You can't go back in time no matter how much you want to, you wish to, so those gone now could have more time with you. But life goes on, and it leaves you behind. I marched forward, hoping for a better chapter in my life, but none came.

Now, I find myself in a room, where I am supposed to be having fun. However, in the corner of this room is a man that tortured me through my school years. He even threw me into a locker headfirst in hopes of drawing blood. I never did anything to him, but he hated me. He still did, seeing that intent hatred in his eyes. And I never did anything to him.

My friend invited me to a party. There was laughter and smiles. Drinks were raised and toasted, but the merriment fell short from me. I just wanted to leave, but I couldn't be rude. Maybe fifteen minutes, twenty tops before I head out the door, but I have no such luck. My enemy now stands before me.

"I remember you," he snarled. "Still alive, I see."

"Still alive and kicking." I grabbed a glass of champagne off a passing tray. "How have you been?" He looked surprised, refusing to accept any drink or food that passed his way. "How's your family?" He snarled at that. His family had kicked him out shortly after graduation, but that was his own doing. "My bad," I said.

"You think you're funny? I could kick your ass right here and now. I couldn't give a shit about this party." He stepped closer. "Say something funny. Go on. I dare you."

"We're not high school anymore. Grow up." I downed my drink, but as I placed the empty glass to the side, I made sure that my back wasn't completely turned his way. Never turn your back on your enemy, and he sensed this. "You touch me, and I will have you brought up on charges. You'll go to jail not the principal's office, so go ahead. I dare you. Hit me. Hit me!" For a moment, I thought he would. "No?"

"No." He stepped back. "We're not alone. Too many witnesses." He smiled at this. "I can wait."

"I bet you can." I wondered how I would get to my car without him hunting me down. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"Looking for you." Now it was my turn to be surprised. "I'm here with a friend."

"You have friends?" Again, another snarl. "Maybe you have changed."

"I still hate you."

"I don't see why." I leaned up against the wall behind me, maybe not the best position. "I never did anything to you, but you rallied the troops against me, making my life a living hell. Why?"

"Why not?"

"Not good enough. Why?" He seemed puzzled. "Something I did in another life?" He raised any eyebrow. "I've moved on." I crossed my arms over my chest. "I'm not that little girl anymore."

"I could still take you." He stepped closer. "I can still hurt you, and I want to hurt you."

"Why?"

"Who gives a shit why," he yelled, causing the room to fall silent. "I don't like you!"

"Good for you." I moved away from him, but he grabbed me by the arm. Hard. "Let go."

"Or what? You'll cry? You're pathetic, weak, and I could tear you apart."

I snapped his arm back and then behind him, making him yelp like a dog. I knocked him to his knees, bringing tears to his eyes. I kept the pressure on as I stepped forward. I was poised and ready for his attack, but none came.

"I told you." I slowly released his arm. "I am not that little girl anymore, so think twice before coming after me." He rubbed his arm. "You may always be my enemy, but I will never be your prey. Not anymore, so don't you forget that."

I grabbed another glass of champagne and strolled away. I fell in step with the beat, kicking up my heels. Now, my back could be toward him because he remained kneeling, nursing his arm. Sure, I angered the beast, but I knew how to protect myself now. If he followed me to the parking lot, if I was foolish enough to go to my car alone, I was not worried. I would just return the favor for all those fights and tortures many, many years ago.